Written question asked by Brian White (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what percentage of the Department's (a) implemented and (b) planned computer systems use open source software; and what plans are in place to raise this level.

Answer: Brian White: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of the Department's (a) implemented and (b) planned computer systems use open source software; and what plans are in place to raise this level. [195667] Phil Hope: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not have statistics on the use of open source software, but to date it is very limited. We follow established Government policy, which is to consider open source software options alongside proprietary ones in IT procurements on a level playing field basis, and award contracts on a value for money, case-by-case basis. The policy can be viewed at www.govtalk.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 195667; 426 c452W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Software ICT Government departments Procurement Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk